Sore Sphincter Muscle

Are you talking about your sphincter muscle (which should not be coming in contact with stool) or your rectal cuff? If it is the cuff, then that is a common complication, called cuffitis. I don't know what you've tried, but if you are on Remicade, you've probably tried most things. You may want to do a search here. Also, you may want to consider seeing a GI doc about it.

When all elese fails, there is pouch advancement surgery, where the rectal cuff is removed and the pouch brought down a bit lower. It id done transanally without an abdominal incision. It is not an easy recovery though.

Jan

Jan,

What all do you know about the surgery you speak of? I am headed back to Mayo Thurs/Friday for another dilation then will be considering either Remicade or similar drug or the surgery you mentioned. Dr. Metzger has done MANY pouch advancement procedures and I have a good prognosis because I do not have pouchitis (it's all in the cuff), but I don't know much about it. Do you know where I can find additional info, success rates, etc.?

The last thing I want to do is have another surgery right now and I'm not overjoyed about having an ostomy again while I heal (although it certainly is not the end if the world), but I am in constant pain and misery despite all treatments I have tried. Something has to give...

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex

I don't know a lot. There are a few members here who have had it and feel it was successful. You can do a PubMed search for pouch advancement, pouch salvage, and cuffitis treatment to see what is out there. Most articles are a compilation of all treatment for all pouch complications. I think it is generally successful, if not completely for allthe symptoms. Plus, if your symptoms are not simply due to UC in the retained rectal cuff, such as ischemia, pouch advancement may not help in the long run.

Sorry I don't have more for you.

Jan

Jan, you are a wealth of information. Just curious, did you work as a nurse in the g.i. department, or are you self-taught? You are so informed, so willing to help others and so kind. You deserve a big big hug! Sally

Thanks. No, no work in GI. I worked in surgical ICU, recovery room, CCU, respiratory care unit, and general medical floor. But, my whole life seems to have revolved around GI, with a diagnosis at age 15. Plus, with my husband and son later diagnosed with UC, I have a real interest in staying on top of current trends.

Jan

Wow, the whole family. That's a shame. Well, bless you all!

Eh, luck of the draw I guess. At least there is nobody rolling their eyes when someone is having problems. We ALL "get it!"

I'll take understanding over pity any day of the week...

Jan